Year 14 students from St Joseph's Boys School and St Columb's College in Derry attended leavers masses on Thursday. The events marked the Class of 2026 before their GCSE and A-level exams.

At St Eugene’s Cathedral, Fr Shaun Doherty led the mass for St Joseph's Boys School. Students, teachers and parents took part. Fr Doherty noted praise from older parishioners for the respect shown by the boys at morning mass. He complimented the students, teachers and parents. During a service of commitment, Fr Doherty spoke of love as the light of God, origin, calling and destiny.

Readers at the St Joseph's mass included Tristan Doran and Sean Owen McKay. Oran Doyle and Finnan Toland led the prayers of the faithful. Adam and Shane McKinney brought gifts to the altar. Principal Ciara Deane addressed students and parents on upcoming exams and thanked the staff for their support.

St Columb's College held its valedictory mass with Principal Caroline McLaughlin and Year Head Donal Chambers greeting students at the church door. School Chaplain Fr Stephen Ward celebrated the mass with parents, siblings and grandparents present. McLaughlin urged students to remember their time at the school, teachers, staff, friends and their unique contributions.

At St Columb's, Head of Sixth Form Mr McGonigle called each student's name. McLaughlin and Chambers presented candles to students at the altar. The school choir performed with instrumental support from Ryan McParland. Mr Chambers and Mr McGonigle read the liturgy. Philomena MacDermott brought communion gifts. Students Rian Kirby, Shea McCartney, Conal McCorkell, Logan Davis-Moran, Fionn Johnson and Liam Travers read the prayers of the faithful.

Mr Donal Chambers, retiring at year end, addressed the St Columb's gathering and paid tribute to the school. Head Boy Aaron O’Doherty thanked Chambers, students and staff.

Refreshments followed the St Joseph's mass with a group photo. St Columb's event included a buffet and video in the school canteen. Exam results are due mid-August.